Freycinet Lodge, in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, has been in operation since the 1990s. The site overlooks Great Oyster Bay as well as the dramatic granite Hazard Mountains, attracting travelers who wish to relax, explore the natural diversity of one of Tasmania’s oldest National Parks and admire the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania’s east coast.Liminal Studio was commissioned to transform the visitor experience with nine pavilions tailored to celebrate the scenic qualities of the unique setting. The Pavilions provide a point of difference to the existing 60 cabins, offering a quality, contemporary, eco-sensitive, site-specific experience.

Liminal drew inspiration from the fluid topography of the nearby bays and layered coastal granite rock formations, while paying homage to the character of the National Park they nestle into.Floor to ceiling curved windows bring the outdoors in, emphasizing the experience of being immersed in nature. The positioning and interplay of the living room and bedroom wing form an embrace reminiscent of nearby bays, protecting the generous deck and offering privacy to the outdoor bath.

The exterior protective shell is made of Red Ironbark that is charred black – referencing the significance of fire in the bush environment, while also increasing the longevity of the timber and ensuring the pavilions are visually discreet so that any insertion into the natural landscape would be a backdrop that presented a quiet response to its immediate context. The solid form seen on approach plays an important role in the hide and reveal. The water views and the intimacy of being nestled in the bush aren’t fully realized until the front door is opened.Offcuts of Tasmanian Oak clad the interior walls, while Blackwood and the only plywood to be manufactured locally, totally enwrap the interiors, creating a warm and completely Tasmanian experience; using and showcasing utilitarian and natural materials in innovative ways creates a unique atmosphere befitting of its setting..

An experiential highlight is the netted, hammock-like balustrades. Recognizing the desire to retain the views that a standard balustrade would interrupt, Liminal devised the unique solution that provides a novel opportunity for relaxing and enjoying the incredible setting.Diagrammatically, the living, sleeping and bathing spaces are expressed as pods, connected by the flow of the circulation and deck, emulating the landscape curves of nearby Honeymoon Bay. The spatial layout also helps in protecting the deck, offering privacy to the outdoor bath.